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SHIFTING SURROUNDS transforms time and space in an immersive digital landscape and projection exhibition that investigates the Anthropocene.

Walton confronts audiences with dystopian future possibilities of waste production, plastic pollution, technology, post-industrial and post-human landscapes.

“I’m very interested in the tension between the ephemerality of projection and the solidity of the architectural form,” said Ms Walton.

“Most of my work is site-responsive because, with projection, the space or object you’re projecting onto merges with the moving image and becomes part of the artwork.”

“Through presenting immersive environments that use emerging technology, I hope this work connects to audiences in unique ways, inspiring discussion around Climate Change”.

“The effects of Climate Change are hitting areas like the Wet Tropics and The Great Barrier Reef in unprecedented ways, threatening ecological collapse”.

Yandell Walton, Uprise, 4 channel projection installation with sound. Sound design Michele Vescio with William Elm. Animation Tobias Edwards. Photographer: Matthew Stanton.

“I make work about what is important to me and I think my strong connection with the natural environment comes from growing up in this special part of the world – it makes sense that I share this work with F-N-Q”.

Proximity in the North to ancient, world-heritage listed environments gives sobering context to the already speculative climate-focussed works Walton creates.

Based in Melbourne, Walton has exhibited internationally and gained many awards.

 SHIFTING SURROUNDS is a culmination of more than 2 years’ work by the artist carried out over a series of on-site residencies

These included the gallery spaces of The SUBSTATION in Melbourne and the Phasmid Studio in Berlin.

In 2020 Walton was the recipient of the inaugural Philip Hunter Fellowship, a research project investigating ecological shifts in forests due to human impact.

Awarded the Ministers Award for Excellence in Art in both year 11 and 12 at Cairns State High School, she returns to her roots in Cairns for her first exhibition of 2021.

“Yandell’s prodigal return to Cairns as Queensland continues to reopen after restrictions lift is very exciting,” said Cairns State High School Visual Arts Head of Department, David Marsden.

“Having worked with Yandell during her early arts progression at Cairns State High School, it is great to see her return to where it all started”.

NorthSite Contemporary Arts will soon be releasing details of the application process for Walton’s Projection Art Masterclass.

Six practising contemporary artists in the region will have the opportunity to work with Walton intensively.

In addition to this, the SHIFTING SURROUNDS program will also include a panel discussion, meets with the artist in the gallery, school talks, tutorials and tours.

“This program responds to demand for high-quality, digital, contemporary art experiences and training in North Queensland,” said NorthSite Contemporary Arts Director Ashleigh Campbell.

“This positions the region as a creative hotbed with progressive cultural capital where people engage truthfully and passionately with their surrounds”.

“Creating opportunities for new connections with audiences and participants, through first-hand conversations, training and experiences”.